Global Head of Research and Innovation will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight across multiple scientific disciplines to drive the development of long-term research strategy for EWS, including people/organization, capabilities, and infrastructure considering today and future growth of the company and the broader vegetable seed market.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy

• Lead the transformative change of the global R&D division in alignment with the company’s strategic roadmap and drive technology innovation to enhance competitiveness of EWS vegetable portfolio
• Formulate strategic genomics research and application plan in close collaboration with the global breeding teams, which is in line with the global R&D strategic plan and respective crop strategy plans
• Translate insights of the global breeding strategies into strategic research direction
• Define and address proactively new research competencies required to ensure that the organization is prepared to support new demands
• Provide foresight into future research trends, identify and assess new technologies/markets (technology push) and partnership opportunities that may be of strategic value to the company
• Execute the genomic strategy plan successfully within the approved budget
• Contribute forming a global IP strategy and guide research in line with the company mission and vision
• Develop, maintain and effectively manage international scientific network
• Establish/maintain strong links with external global scientific community such as Universities, Research Institutes and Government Organizations and develop strategic partnerships/collaborations

Operational

• Oversight to all research functions (molecular genetics, cell biology, genomic research, biochemistry, bioinformatics, trait introgression), including scientific assessment and risk management, advisory for development of research projects, continuous process improvement
• Foster technology uptake of the breeding programs and promote use of genomics tools to accelerate genetic gain and product output
• Define and prioritize pipeline of projects for research according to business relevance and breeding/crop strategy
• Drive operational excellence in the research facilities by ensuring that work processes related to the day-to-day operations are compliant with the quality standards and protocol set by the company
• Support development of business cases justifying capital expenditure
• Ensure that the investment is widely capitalized and is consistent with strategic importance to the business
• Create compelling scientific presentations for peer groups as well as for the Board
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and provide guidance and support to other technical service departments (QA, MAS, molecular pathology) to aid implementation of cost efficient, high-throughput services for EWS

Financial Management

• Plan and manage the annual Global Research budget (OPEX AND CAPEX) and its activities

Organization and People

• Build high-performing, collaborative, research teams to ensure EWS’s competitiveness on the tropical vegetable seed markets
• Build/enhance scientific capabilities; provide guidance, mentorship and training opportunities where needed for people development
• In strong collaboration with the HR business function, support the roll-out of global HR initiatives such as succession planning and talent development programs

Minimum Requirements (Education, Experience , Skills)

• Ph.D. degree in plant sciences with strong emphasis on Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genomics or equivalent discipline in plant sciences with strong emphasis on emerging technologies
• Strong track record and relevant +10 experience in the vegetable seed business or similar industry
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective scientific teams and work efficiently with employees of all levels
• Preferably with substantial experience working in cross-functional, multicultural an international team within a matrix organizational environment
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong conceptual thinking, business / strategic acumen and stakeholder management
• Strong Entrepreneurial Leadership Mindset & Drive and Innovative thinker who inspires the team
• Capable of effectively communicating scientific context to a broad range of audiences

To apply

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.